Moonlight: Update on Possible Series Move to CW

Published: May 15, 2008

After CBS cancelled the supernatural drama, some hope emerged that Moonlight might continue on another network. Media Rights Capital (MRC) has purchased CW’s Sunday night airtime and they were offered the show to help them fill it. It was only a chance but it was enough to stall the destruction of the Moonlight sets and frankly, it was better than nothing.

Unfortunately, MRC is committed to producing its own original programming. They aren’t interested in taking on any cast-offs from other networks — even if one comes with legions of fans. Will MRC’s new shows be able to match the ratings of Moonlight on CBS? Highly doubtable, especially considering CW’s track night with Sunday nights.

There’s still glimmer of hope that MRC could pick up the show for mid-season but it’s a very, very remote possibility. Moonlight’s cause isn’t helped by the fact that the show doesn’t come cheap, a factor that played a part in CBS’s decision to drop it.

So, what’s left for Moonlight fans? A Jericho-like campaign? CBS’ disappointing experience with that show has made the network gun-shy of listening to supporters of other cult shows. Of Moonlight fans’ campaigns to save their show, CBS President Nina Tassler said, “It was a factor, obviously… It was a passionate fanbase, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s just hard to translate that into numbers.”

Though his show may have been cancelled, Moonlight star Alex O’Loughlin may not be done with the network. CBS still holds an option on the actor’s services and he’s apparently in demand. That may present a catch-22 for fans. Though fans may be happy for O’Loughlin to land other jobs, there’s a chance that, if Moonlight is finally saved, one of the show’s stars may not be available to do it. We’ll keep you posted so stay tuned!